Agronomic Characteristics and Feeding Value of Desho Grass (Pennisetum glaucifolium Hochst. Ex A. Rich) for Lactating Dairy Cows in Ethiopia

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Abstract:

This study explored agronomic characteristics of desho grass (Pennisetum glaucifolium Hochst. Ex. A. Rich.) and its feeding value for lactating dairy cows in Ethiopia. The study consisted of experiments conducted to generate information on agronomic characteristics of desho grass; effect of fertilizer application on herbage yield and quality; compatibility and effect of growing desho in binary mixtures with potentially compatible forage legumes (Desmodium unicinatum and Stylosanthes guyanensis) on herbage yield, nutrient composition and feeding value of desho grass hay, fed as a basal feed substitute to high-grade dairy cows. The first experiment was aimed to evaluate the effects of nitrogen fertilizer levels on agronomic performance, forage yield and chemical composition of desho grass varieties under rain fed condition during 2018 and 2019 cropping seasons at Assosa, Ethiopia. This field experiment consisted of a two-factor factorial arranged in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The assessed parameters were plant height, number of tillers per plant, leaf-to-stem ratio and dry matter yield (DMY). The majority of the chemical components of desho grass, mainly dry matter (DM) and crude protein (CP) concentration and crude protein yield (CPY) were influenced (p

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Agronomic Characteristics and Feeding Value of Desho Grass (Pennisetum glaucifolium Hochst. Ex A. Rich) for Lactating Dairy Cows in Ethiopia

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